people's republic of desire
People have their own rules of the game. It doesn't matter what culture we live in, there are certain rules we all observe. For example, we should not sleep with our bosses. We should not sleep with our friends' partners, and we should not sleep with anyone who is married.
China has been a deeply conformist society for too long. Perhaps that explains why the new generation wants to be different. They defy conformity by breaking the rules and testing the limits. But sometimes, they not only challenge the rules set by Chinese standards, but by western standards as well.
Niuniu's new friend May May is a rule-breaker who doesn't believe in limits. She has many hobbies, one of which is sleeping with middle-aged 'MBAs' (married but available).
She expands on her theory to Niuniu at a hot-pot restaurant. 'Young men are like grapes and middle-aged men are like wine. Their bellies might grow bigger, and the number of hairs on their heads might grow less, but they are more attractive; they make me feel intoxicated.'
'Why is that?' Niuniu asks. Niuniu comes from a different school of thought. As a woman who has reached her 30s, she is more interested in younger men.
'Middle-aged men tend to be more generous in bed than younger men who often don't want to control their desires. Middle-aged men tend to be more successful financially. They can buy you expensive gifts, whereas young boys can only send you flowers or a box of chocolates,' May May says.
'Since middle-aged men have been around, they have more status and more networks, they can help you with your career. They also understand women, and know how to please us.'
'What you say might explain why you love middle-aged men, but it doesn't explain why you always go out with the married ones among them,' says Niuniu.
May May laughs. 'Don't you think that middle-aged 'MBAs' are a more desirable group than single men?'
'That can be true in China,' Niuniu nods. May May continues: 'Our parents' generation was the generation of obedience. They have followed the rules and never enjoyed themselves. I like to live on the edge. I like to sleep with married men because the thrill of stealing makes the sex even more exciting! It's so cool to do it in their bedrooms during the day when their wives are at work.'
'In the same beds they share with their wives? Not a motel or something? Don't you think it's an intrusion into the wives' territory?' Niuniu can't stop sounding a bit judgmental. 'That's exactly the point,' May May replies. 'I am like a conquering invader. The society encourages us to be competitive. I hate losing. It feels so good that these smart men would betray their women and come to me. It's called charm.'
'Do you think they like you because you're so irresistible?' Niuniu asks.
'Well, I'm a modern liberal woman. I can give them the level of passion that their wives can't. In return, I get the acid-high sex that I want,' May May says proudly.
Niuniu believes May May considers herself superior to the wives because she has the fun and none of the work associated with marriage. Niuniu asks: 'May May, do you think the MBAs' attraction to you comes from the fact that you're a plaything for them and they don't have to be serious with you? They are merely on the hunt for another good time, a cheap thrill that they can brag about to their buddies.'
May May replies with a smile: 'It beats staying home by myself to eat instant noodles and watch a movie. One day, I'll be considered a provocative, feminist pioneer. Yes. If men can brag about their conquests, why can't I?'
Just then, a couple comes into view and May May says to Niuniu, 'I wonder what she sees in him. When I find out, I'll give you all the details.'
